Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Everton look to build on Tuesday's win over Watford in the Carabao Cup when they take on Spurs at Goodison Park this weekend.

The Blues booked their place in the last eight of that competition with a 2-0 win over the Hornets, one that helped them bounce back somewhat from the massive disappointment at Brighton in the Premier League last Saturday.

It also eased the pressure on the shoulders of Marco Silva but, having overseen six defeats in the opening 10 matches of the league season, the Portuguese will know that he still has little margin for error. And the visit of the side that inflicted his worst home defeat as Everton boss to date is not an easy assignment so he will be hoping that his charges gleaned enough confidence from their exploits on Tuesday to take into Sunday's clash with Spurs.

Silva could, however, be without arguably his most consistent performer in the form of Yerry Mina. The Colombian Mina appears to be touch-and-go after he was forced to withdraw from the Watford tie with a recurrence of the knee issue that he sustained in the closing stages of the last Premier League match at Goodison against West Ham a fortnight ago and sidelined him against Brighton.

He was brought back into the team to face the Hornets but had to come off just before half-time after feeling pain in his knee.

Silva says that while Mina trained with the first-team at Finch Farm this morning, no decision will be taken on his availability until after a fitness test tomorrow.

“He worked with the team this morning,” Silva said of Mina during his pre-match press conference. “Like I said after the (Watford) match, it was nothing serious what he has in his knee at this moment.

“We did the normal exams and it's nothing serious. It's just a question of having the support to deal with the pain he has at this moment and if he can do that he can train and possibly he can play as well.

“Today he did [train] in the morning and he did all the session. Let's see how he reacts tomorrow and we'll make a decision.”

Assuming Mina doesn't make it, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate will partner each other again as they did at the Amex Stadium last week and the presence of Holgate in particular, with his superior foot speed, could offer some protection against the tricky Son Heung-min.

The South Korean terrorised Everton and scored twice in this fixture last season and he has been on form again in recent weeks, picking up the man-of-the-match accolades in the Londoners' thrashing of Red Star Belgrade last week. Together with the free-scoring Harry Kane, who also grabbed two goals at Goodison in December last year, he could pose huge problems for Silva's men playing in front of what is usually a dynamic midfield assembled from the likes of Christian Eriksen, Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli, Moussa Sissoko and Giovani Lo Celso.

Those threats could prompt Silva to opt for three central midfielders instead of his usual 4-2—3-1 setup, with one of Tom Davies or the more defensively-minded Morgan Schneiderlin the potential beneficiary of such a decision. In attack, meanwhile, Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott have probably earned their places in the side in the wide positions and Richarlison would be deployed in a more central role.

Should Silva stick with what has been his preferred formation, Iwobi would likely occupy the No 10 role with Richarlison and Walcott on the flanks and Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line.

The only other area of doubt would be at right back where Djibril Sidibé performed impressively in the games against West Ham and Brighton while Seamus Coleman was less impressive in that position against Watford on Tuesday, making the case for the Frenchman to be reinstated this weekend.

Having boasted an impressive record on their travels in recent seasons under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have, surprisingly, not won away from home in the League since February January and their general failure to really get going this season will give Silva hope for an Everton victory on Sunday.

While the Toffees are normally just the team you want to play when you're wanting to rid yourself of an unwanted record, Spurs's situation also presents Silva with an opportunity to cause further problems for a somewhat wounded animal.

Reader Comments (246)

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Joe O'Brien 2Posted
01/11/2019 at
15:40:39

I'd start with Mason Holgate. He played well for the last two matches.

We can't... and shouldn't take risks with Yerry. We're so light in that position.

Kieran Kinsella 3Posted
01/11/2019 at
16:41:39

Such a weird one. Silva sais the other night it was "nothing" but he came off because he thought he felt "pain." He also said him missing the prior game was "nothing really."

Now he is saying "it's nothing serious." So is there actually an injury be it a sprain? Minor tear? Or is it just aches and pains and hypochondria in the British wintery weather?

For reference, my knee has been given me tremendous pain since it started snowing here in Kansas this week. Happens every year. No "injury" per se other than worn away cartilage from years of playing football/tennis on hard surfaces.

Paul Robinson (ex-Leeds goalie) on TalkSport picked up on this too and said Mina seems like Sturridge to be one of these folks who doesn't want to play unless he is "100%" but then added that players are rarely feeling better than 60 or 70%. I am not saying he is definitively a "sick note," crybaby, faker, skiver, but I am speculating that he may be.

Justin Doone 4Posted
01/11/2019 at
16:57:27

Given his recent record and the winter chill, leave him to watch from the stands.

It (a) protects any mystery injury, and (b) will give him food for thought.

Does he want it enough or is he being sold back to a warmer climate club in January. I'm not a fan of the cold or wet weather myself but if it's a paying job you just have to give it your best until another opportunity arises.

Either way, Holgate has done well and his pace may be needed.

I'm not looking forward the Spurs game, like Arsenal and Liverpool, weather they are in good form or not, they turn it on against us.

As we are not on form ourselves, I'd be over the moon with a clean sheet 0-0 – but without a doubt there will be plenty of goals.

Tony Everan 5Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:03:23

Silva is desperate for a result, as we all are, but starting Yerry if he has an small injury is a big call.

If it is aggravated and he is out for 2 months it will have been a very reckless decision and put us under a lot of pressure.

He needs the best advice from the physios and med staff, but if there is any doubts he should start Mason Holgate. He had a solid game against Watford and needs more game time.

Mark Guglielmo 6Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:18:04

It boils down to a) rush him back for Sunday, or b) be smart and remember that the next 27 matchdays should trump this one.

So I expect Silva to start him vs. Spurs.

Darren Hind 7Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:24:50

John Stones was missing for five games this season. He was rushed back too soon and missed the next five too.

Mina strikes me as the sort who needs a string of games in order to reach his peak. He was showing definite signs of improvement prior to this injury.It would be prudent to keep him under wraps for one game if it meant he would fully recover.

Hard to know. I always think it has to come from the player. I just don't get this "He THOUGHT he felt pain" ... maybe something was lost in translation?

Derek Taylor 8Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:25:33

It will be interesting to see how many games Mina plays in the run up to Xmas. I suspect he's yet another sicknote!

John Voigt 9Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:25:51

I'd rest him this weekend.

Phil Sammon 10Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:42:45

Darren 7

What he actually said was that he thought he felt rain and needed to come off.

Steve Ferns 11Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:50:03

I thought some of you are unfairly labelling Mina as injury-prone. To have three injuries in 18 months can happen without making a player such. So, I looked it up.

It's hard to see whether he was injured or just didn't play but my research didn't back up my belief that this is a player who's just had some recent bad luck. He's never really had a sustained run in the side like say Jagielka, who could play all 38 games in a season.

Seems like we didn't do our homework here. He's had hamstring injuries twice, done his metatarsal, came with a foot problem and whatever he has now.

He's big and physical and so gets bumped about a bit. I don't believe he's someone with a low pain threshold, like Sturridge, who just doesn't fancy it. It seems more like he's just prone to getting knocks and strains.

Kieran Kinsella 12Posted
01/11/2019 at
17:59:34

Steve,

Talking for myself, I wasn't implying he is injury-prone. Even worse, I was suggesting he is Mikael Madar Mk II... lol!

Steve Ferns 13Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:05:44

Mikel Madar was a crap striker though. I blinked and he left. Can't remember much else other than the song to the tune of “Oh My Darling”.

Kieran Kinsella 14Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:13:19

Lol, I actually rated him as a player but I'd been watching a lot of French football before he came and he seemed like a real prospect. He did score a few nice headed goals though we could say the same for Vellios, who was hardly a success.

Steve Ferns 15Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:26:47

Vellios, there's a name I have long forgot. He must be about 28 now.

Derek Taylor 16Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:28:22

Mina had only played 5 games for Barcelona in the 6 months of his time thereafter an £11M transfer from Columbia. The Spanish outfit soon moved him on, doubling their money when he came to Everton.

A good buy? Not on the evidence so far.

Phil Sammon 17Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:31:49

I can't let Vellios's name pass by without posting this from a couple of months ago

https://youtu.be/e34QlG7v2V4

Pat Kelly 18Posted
01/11/2019 at
18:41:12

His best position is the treatment table. Why do we buy crocks?

Christy Ring 19Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:09:18

I thought Mina was our best player in the first half, not saying he had much opposition, but he was totally composed.

I find it hard with comments, that he's not injury prone, because I can't understand, listening to Silva today saying, he's fine and wasn't injured the other night? So why did he come off?

Mark Guglielmo 20Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:19:25

Derek @16 Who do you think he would have gotten into the lineup over (at Barca)? Not Pique. Not Umtiti, so not sure what his limited number of appearances means.

Jay Harris 21Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:33:37

Our first choice has to be Mina and Holgate given Keane's downturn in form this season although you would like to think he has studied how to play Kane when at the England camps.

I would love Mina to play. I think he brings enthusiasm and workrate to the team as well as his ability at corners where he is due a goal.

I am more worried about our midfield which appears to be Silva's blindspot. I think we have to go 4-3-3 against Spurs and get Tom Davies amongst Winks and Sissoko to stop them playing.

Tony Abrahams 22Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:50:06

Id be more concerned about Kane, studying Keane, Jay!

Holgate was our best player the other night, because he was the player who got the ball out of his feet, needed less touches and mostly played the ball forward crispy, except for a couple of those long cross-field passes imo.

Mina is looking like he could become a leader, but leaders dont go off if theres nothing wrong with them, even though modern footballers have changed so much.

I think Keane is a poor player, so was very worried about us keeping a clean sheet once Mina went off the other night, but I thought Keane did well, and hope he does as well on Sunday if Mina is not fit to partner Holgate.

Derek Taylor 23Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:51:34

Mark @20,

My point was that Brands seems to be over-attracted to players just because they are at the likes of Barcelona. The Spanish giants couldn't wait to 'double their money', having decided he wasn't up to their expected standard. I suspect he will become an injury-prone liability here.

Mark Guglielmo 24Posted
01/11/2019 at
20:54:32

Gotcha Derek. I think Brands has a very close tie to someone there which may explain him continuing to go to that well.

We did pay a lot, and if he continues to get injured, I'm right there with you on thinking it would then be a poor investment. Let's just hope we're wrong!

Jay Harris 25Posted
02/11/2019 at
04:54:45

I'm with you, Tony.

Right now my first choice would be Holgate & Mina.

For all those criticizing Mina, the knees are the most vulnerable and painful joints you can encounter, so please give the lad a bit of support and don't put him down just because he has a knee spasm.

Bobby Mallon 26Posted
02/11/2019 at
07:30:45

Lyndon, why mention they haven't won since February on the road 😭, you know what that means...

Frank Sheppard 27Posted
02/11/2019 at
07:31:27

Cant afford to risk Mina, be good to keep faith with Holgate after his performance against Watford. As for the game, I am sick of us getting no points against teams I expect us to beat, so perhaps an unexpected coherent performance and 3 points is on the cards, its certainly long overdue. COYB.

John Hammond 28Posted
02/11/2019 at
07:35:06

Feeling rather optimistic about tomorrow's game. Spurs are there for the taking.

I'd go with the same team as the last 2 league games but shift Richarlison to the left and bring in Kean. Silva hooking him at half time having played him on the wing is doing the kid no good. Let's give him a chance against a defence that allows the opposition too many shots.

Please... no Sigurdsson.

John Raftery 29Posted
02/11/2019 at
08:05:11

Mina is injury-prone but, before this latest problem, was our best player this season. Silva has not said what the nature of the problem is but, if rest is the solution, it would be surprising to see him play on Sunday.

What we can ill-afford is another enforced first-half defensive substitution which reduces the options for refreshing the midfield and attack in the closing stages.

Kunal Desai 30Posted
02/11/2019 at
08:06:50

Injuries are part and parcel of the game, the reason why it seems to impact us is that every summer we never appear to strengthen the squad deep enough with quality. The club is happy to get by on the bare minimum and hope it can scrape 7th spot without going into too much cover.

Jamie Evans 33Posted
02/11/2019 at
08:11:03

I love the optimism in your preview Lyndon, but we all know that there is no way on earth he will match up Spurs formation if they go 4-3-3.

We will be set up as usual in our tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 (yawn) as we were on Tuesday. The only question being who will be played out of position this time.

Change it up PLEASE Marco and lets give the opposition something different to think about.

Onward Evertonians. Full support. 💙

Neil Wood 34Posted
02/11/2019 at
08:13:59

Anyone meeting for a beer pre-game?

Kim Vivian 36Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:02:27

Heart talking - We will maintain the more pressing and aggressive play that we have seen in a couple of the more recent games (intermittently), take this to a down on confidence Spurs, and drag three points from the game. It's time Iwobi got the roll of the dice (has he hit the woodwork 2?,3? times) and get on the score-sheet, and maybe even Kean open his account. Say 2, or 3 -1 the blues.

Head talking - I'm expecting to concede this after what we would all call a 'good' performance. Making chances, pressing - all the usual and then go down 2-0 or 2-1 because we can't find the net. This to be followed by our regular follow up abject performance away to Saints who get a lift from turning us over at St Mary's. Cue the full pitchfork brigade.

This is definitely winnable but if any team wants to change its fortunes then we are the team to do it against.

So hard a call this for me - I do not predict a draw though.

David Pearl 37Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:14:58

Neil, would like to but the olde back is troubling me... one of a few.

I've just read infogol which gives strong reasons for us to win so l remain optimistic... although Spurs have lost their last 3 away games and Everton seem perfect for them. They haven't looked the same team this season. Alli and Eriksen a little off.

Whatever Everton turn up we need to put the ball in the bleeding net. If we did that the weigh on the manager and players shoulders could see us really kick on.

Anyway... Bet wise. Are Infogol right and we win? They are better than most sites in predictions. My midweek bet saw me get a scorer treble, even though Richarlison did it late. My losing bet, well that was due to us not receiving a single yellow card against Watford. Who'd of thought that!

David Pearl 38Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:32:16

Kim, it's been said before but Silva is only 2 games from either the sack or turning us around. Spurs and Saints could've hand-picked us. It's up in the air which Everton turns up from one week to the next.

Kevin Prytherch 39Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:45:29

No talk of it yet...

But I would bring back Sigurdsson for this one. He thrives against teams who look to come at us and afford him slightly more space and time between their defence and midfield. He's also very disciplined in pressing from the front with Calvert-Lewin.

I would also pair Delph with Gomes for a similar reason.

However, I would then bring back Davies and Iwobi for the next two fixtures regardless of performance as they will be better suited to playing against Southampton and Norwich.

We need to start tweaking our lineups to the opposition and stop playing players not suited to the opposition just because they played well last time.

Ken Kneale 40Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:57:09

Kevin,

I think we need to tweak the manager to get that happening. Expect versions of the same with this guy – he has shown already he cannot do it any different over a period of time.

Geoff Lambert 41Posted
02/11/2019 at
09:57:26

As Bobby said,

If you need to break a loosing/non-scoring run, call on Everton.

Derek Knox 42Posted
02/11/2019 at
10:06:23

Kevin @ 39, I agree we should be alternating personnel, we were all shouting for keeping the same formation after West Ham game, including myself, but they did not reproduce a fraction of their form against Brighton.

Plus it keeps the opposition guessing and keeps players on their toes, and competition for places is never a bad thing, I would like to see some of the youngsters introduced or even named on the bench, ie Anthony Gordon and Lewis Gibson or Morgan Feeney.

A good time to play an under-performing and stuttering Spurs, but how many times have said that about various visiting sides who are going through a tricky spell, in the past?

David Pearl 43Posted
02/11/2019 at
10:34:24

Alright, Derek,

I agree with rotation but it works best with a confident team that all know their roles. Silva has been trying to play them into form and once we win he is scared to change things around. Will it be Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison up top tomorrow?

Personally l would keep Iwobi in the middle because he comes deep to find the ball and drives us forward more than Sigurdsson does. I'm not saying Sigurdsson isn't capable of that but when he plays he is much closer to the striker, the middle is wide open and the wide players further away. I want us to fill the middle against Spurs.

Alan J Thompson 44Posted
02/11/2019 at
11:18:51

I hate to say it but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't another repeat of years of yore, 10-4 over and out!

Spurs are definitely vulnerable though of course so are we! First goal (as always under Silva) may be crucial.

Paul Hewitt 46Posted
02/11/2019 at
11:36:00

1-3. Silva sacked. Not all bad.

Mark Guglielmo 47Posted
02/11/2019 at
11:47:02

10/11 of the team I predicted, Sam (above).

Only difference is that I think Marco may go Delph over Gomes. A bit more deep-lying to protect the back 4, and with better pace. I double-checked to confirm my hazy memory, and Gomes did indeed start at DM during last year's drubbing at the hands of these Spurs. He was subbed off at 53' shortly after Spurs' 4th goal. Drilling deeper, 2 of those 4 goals came from Alli & Eriksen. He came on as a sub at CM in the final match 2-2 draw (just in time for Eriksen's tying goal).

Jamie Crowley 49Posted
02/11/2019 at
11:57:59

I have a terrible feeling about this game.

It sounds awful, and I hope we win and this propels our season forward as we enter a very difficult run of games through the New Year, but I could see us getting shellacked Sunday like 0-4.

I can't think of many positives entering this one. Spurs fans saying this one's a "must win" - they'll be focused and ready.

The one positive I have is the fans. It's at Goodison, and if the players come ready to play and the bear-pit is stirred, the crowd will raise the level of play by sure force of will.

We might need that.

James Stewart 50Posted
02/11/2019 at
12:10:34

That predicted team is grim, I'm not sure what's worse, the team or the fact that it's so easy to predict our set up.

Spurs will thrash us again, they are a very good side despite what people say, and have the firepower to totally annihilate us.

Mark Guglielmo 51Posted
02/11/2019 at
12:11:16

Very, very loosely related, but if anyone has BeIN Sports Network, Espanyol v Valencia is on and you can see the style one of the rumored managers plays (Marcelino).

Derek Knox 52Posted
02/11/2019 at
12:22:19

Jamie C, I understand where you are coming from there, I have almost given up predicting the outcomes of matches myself, especially while this Jodrell Banker is in charge.

Although I always remain quietly optimistic, fingers, legs, arms and eyes crossed, it all makes for painful viewing at times!

Tony Hill 53Posted
02/11/2019 at
12:24:54

A good question, Pat @18.

This one is a contest between two mentally weak sides with manager issues.

Spurs have poor full backs but their attack is potent, of course. I thought they did ok last week against the RS, particularly in the first half, and were a touch unlucky.

I fear they'll have too much for us. Something will depend on whether we are prepared to bully them a bit. I doubt it, and that will leave their superior forwards (and midfield) to win it.

Kieran Kinsella 54Posted
02/11/2019 at
12:46:23

Could go either way 2-0 or 1-7. Could also be either a score draw or a 0-0. This fence is giving me splinters

Bill Gall 55Posted
02/11/2019 at
13:32:51

The worry about tomorrow's game is that struggling teams who need a win to get them back on track Everton are the one team that seem to provide it. Will not waste my time trying to predict the team that Silva will put out as he usually not sure himself.

Kieran Kinsella 56Posted
02/11/2019 at
13:36:02

Bill Gall 68,

Steve Ferns was on about this "here come Everton" attitude yesterday. In that respect, I think back to April 1995 when struggling Tottenham were banking on such an outcome for the cup semi final. Maybe Tosun or Kean can sub themselves on and tap in a couple.

Derek Taylor 57Posted
02/11/2019 at
13:41:08

At a time when the only teenager who gets a look-in at Everton is one we got sandbagged to pay £25M for, I'm hoping Silva is not persuaded to start any of Unsy's babes. His treatment of them will ruin them for sure!

Steavey Buckley 58Posted
02/11/2019 at
13:45:26

It always inevitable when Everton are playing teams who are looking for win after a bad run Everton do oblige. No wonder fans around the premier have dubbed Everton a nice team. There is just not enough grit nor the mental strength to grind out results on a regular basis. That failure is down to management.

Kieran Kinsella 59Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:16:39

Lee Mason may be a dirty word after the VAR drama at Brighton but he was the man in the centre last time Everton beat Spurs… seven long years ago. Everton looked destined to lose after a Clint Dempsey goal in the 76th minute. Miraculously, Pienaar and Jelavic turned it around after the clock struck the 90-minute mark. It was the second time in 12 months Jelavic had netted a winner versus Spurs after a 1-0 win at Goodison Park the season prior. It also extended our run to three consecutive home wins versus Spurs after a Coleman winner in January 2011. Despite his “knife to a gunfight” mentality, David Moyes was the last Toffees manager to beat Tottenham.

We had an even better run of form against Spurs in the 1980s, winning five of six meetings across three competitions. The most impressive scoreline being the last: a 3-1 win in front of a measly 12,000 fans at Goodison in the Screen Sport Super Cup Semi-final 2nd leg. Its fair to assume the short-lived alternative to European football wasnt a major priority for manager Howard Kendall. The likes of Graeme Sharp and Psycho Pat were benched to make way for Peter Billinge and Paul Wilkinson.

Our longest unbeaten run versus Spurs was 11 matches between 3 November 1973 and 1979. That run commenced with a 1-1 draw when John Connolly netted past Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings. The veteran keeper later played for Everton while his teammates that day included World Cup winner Martin Peters. Perhaps we can begin a similar sequence of results this November 3rd? The seventies unbeaten sequence concluded with another 1-1 as Asa Harford and Co battled a star-studded Tottenham team featuring Ricky Villa, Ossie Ardilles and Glenn Hoddle.

We have put five goals past the Londoners a few times, including a 5-2 win in 1934 when Dixie Dean scored a hat-trick. Our biggest margin of victory was in 1977 – a 4-0 win at Goodison Park. The win came just 6 weeks after Everton sacked Billy Bingham and replaced him with Gordon Lee. Everton finished the season in the top 10 while Spurs were last and relegated to the old Division Two.

Trevor Peers 60Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:22:30

It's a very poor predicted team, doesn't give you much hope especially in midfield Gomes and Delph both play sideways and backwards these days. Defensively it will be a lottery against Kane & Co. The attack looks a bit unbalanced, who knows if we score first miracles might happen.

Ray Roche 61Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:25:47

Kieran, to be a bit of a pedant Jennings didnt turn out for Everton, he was signed “just in case” he was required due to a goalkeeper crisis.

Jim Bennings 62Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:26:53

WE dont usually beat Spurs, we certainly wont beat Spurs unless there is a monumental improvement in terms of performance levels and given that Everton rarely ever end a bad record against a team, its difficult to see a win tomorrow.

I believe Silva has to win two of the three games on offer this month (yes its a mere three game month because of YET another international break).

We must win two of these three against Tottenham, Southampton and Norwich going into that horror run of fixtures we are faced with in December.

Ray Roche 63Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:26:54

Great keeper in his day though.

Kieran Kinsella 64Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:28:47

He was Ray. I met him once on the tube in London. Nice fellow.

Tony Hill 65Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:29:58

Only just spotted that the ref is Atkinson. Oh dear... in a competitive field, he's the one I dislike most.

Eddie Dunn 66Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:40:08

Steve Ferns, I think Vellios was at Nottingham Forest last season, he came on in a game I heard on the radio.

I would rest Mina and get him back fully fit – no need to have him hobbling off after 30 mins, it would just limit our subs.

We are only 3 points off 7th so let's hope these guys can build on the second-half showing in midweek.

Derek Knox 67Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:44:24

Ray and Kieran, yes he was a good keeper, but not invincible, he couldn't keep Tony the Tiger, or son Timmy scoring in the same match! 😂

Bill Gall 68Posted
02/11/2019 at
14:52:43

Just looked through my old programme's found an Tottenham v Everton from 11th March 1970 price sixpence. Everton team in the programme was West, Wright, Newton, Harvey, Labone, Kendall, Hurst, Ball, Morrissey, Royle and Husband. How good would it be to have the drive and energy tomorrow that this squad of players had?

Jerome Shields 69Posted
02/11/2019 at
15:00:16

Once again this game will be determined by which Everton turns up. They will have to play at the upper end of their game to get a result. No slow-coach midfield, Marco, if you know what is good for you.

Ken Kneale 70Posted
02/11/2019 at
15:39:44

Bill - unintentional I am sure but you were economical with your praise. Not just the drive and energy we miss but the fluent attacking football, connection to the fans and sheer quality of the player would be a dream compared to the bunch of misfit lightweights we currently have to endure. None of the current team would have got a game.

Brian Porter 71Posted
02/11/2019 at
15:49:47

We're back in the relegation zone again, as things stand currently. Only Norwich and Watford below us.Silva has to go no matter what tomorrow brings. It's beyond a joke.

Kieran Kinsella 72Posted
02/11/2019 at
15:54:44

Brian, if Norwich win we'll be 19th. On the other hand, do you see Southampton hanging on at Man City?

Brian Williams 73Posted
02/11/2019 at
15:57:54

Confucius say "Nobody gets relegated in November."

Kieran Kinsella 74Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:02:44

Brian 76,

Tell that to fans of Mjondalen and Ranheim TF in the Norwegian Eliteserien league.

Jim Bennings 75Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:02:48

November and we are sixpoints behind the mighty Sheffield United.

Somehow I dont think Moshiri quite envisaged this when he took over back in 2016 with pound signs over his head.

Kieran Kinsella 76Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:04:19

Jim

One of our issues has been at centre-half with Mina's injuries and Keane's form. Sheffield Utd have an advantage in that respect as they're able to call upon a Premier League veteran centre-back named Philip Jagielka when needed.

Tony Twist 77Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:32:23

Mina should only play if 100% fit. If he isn't then he has to step aside and then fight for his place when he is 100% fit. The team, though I doubt if Silva will pick this:

I think we have the players to be top six, we just don't have a quality manager. If we lose, I just hope we take the appropriate step then to get a world class manager.

Jim Bennings 78Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:39:04

Tony Twist

I'm not sure we do have the squad that is top six material really.

Most lads have either not had a great history in the Premier League and others, Pickford, Keane, Sigurdsson for example have been perennial relegation material.

The biggest concern though is the weak mentality.

Clubs like Wolves, Bournemouth, Sheffield United seem far mentally stronger than our players who are very fragile up top (head wise).

Mike Dolan 79Posted
02/11/2019 at
16:55:15

It's a bit hard on Yerri Mina to suggest he's Maybe /Perhaps a bit of a cold weather coward when the only evidence for saying this was that he had a few niggling injuries at the beginning of last season then was kept out of the side by the brilliant form of Zouma and then he missed a game this season. He has also been our best player so far. Get rid of him.

The calls for Marco Silva's ousting are starting before the ball has been kicked never mind that it is just 10 games into the season. Whatever happened to Evertonians that such a panicky Second Division mentality has taken over such a large section of supporters (supporters is a bit of an oxymoron here). Get a grip or go back to playing Mario Brothers or what ever you do.

2-1 tomorrow.

Stan Schofield 80Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:05:45

Bill@71: I might be pedantic (and wrong!), but wouldn't the line-up be:

That was a GREAT side. Could, and arguably should, have been the entire England team in Mexico 1970. Can you imagine them playing the great Brazil side? Would have been fantastic.

3-0 tomorrow.

Bill Gall 81Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:26:02

Stan yes but actually in the programme, that is just over 5 inch x 7 inch the team looks like it is in a 2-3-2-3 formation: 2 fullbacks – Newton and Wright; 3 in front of them – Harvey, Labone and Kendall; Hurst and Ball in front of them; and the 3 in front of them: Morrissey, Royle and Husband.

I am reading the programme from left to right. I was at this game and I am not sure if this was the line-up for the start of the game.

Mark Guglielmo 82Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:37:18

Hey, if we win by 2 or more goals, we go 13th tomorrow... :-P

Derek Knox 83Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:41:53

Mark @ 87, did you know that 'IF' if is the longest word in the Everton Dictionary? :-)

However, Morrisey would drop back to make it 4-4-2. Husband would float, sometimes making it 4-4-1-1. Hurst would drive forward from centre-back. Ball moved up and scored plenty of goals.

That's why I get frustrated with set systems. It should be flexible, players should move into alternative positions, and intelligent teammates should cover for them.

Most of the time, our current side looks like a bleedin' Subbuteo team.

Dave Ganley 85Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:45:23

Mike #84,

Yeah I agree with you on Yerry, he's had a good start to the season and think he will be a good signing.

As to Silva, well hes had a shocking start to the season. If this was isolated then I think most supporters would give him more time, like last season when we went on that horrendous run of around 3 months before things picked up.

However, we are back to square one really, playing awful football yet again and struggling to compete with anybody, let alone top 6 teams. How long do we give this time till he finally turns it around?

It's not like we have been unlucky with results, we have been soundly beaten with terrible performances. I really hope that Steve Ferns is right on his prediction that Silva will come good although I am definitely doubting it.

I guess it all depends on what your expectations are. Rightly or wrongly I always expect Everton to win although in recent seasons that is becoming more hope than expectation.

One thing is for sure is that we cant just accept these shocking run of results every season. Doing so is definitely second division mentality not demanding a competent football team. With what we have had to put up with for years I think our fans have the patience of saints. How many top 6 clubs could have horrendous seasons like ours and still pack out the stadium week after week?

Instead of deriding fans who so desperately want success you, should be awarding them a medal for going back week after week. They are definitely not 2nd Division mentality; alas, I think the powers that be are though.

Derek Knox 86Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:45:56

Brian @ 76, but I thought the Chinese League DID finish in November so Confucious, is a trifle confused-ious! :-)

Brian Williams 87Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:48:36

Ah Derek I was quite happy when I posted that coz it looked like results today were going to give us (well me at least) a good evening. Of course I'd forgotten the devil moves in mysterious ways even in the 90th plus minute ffs.

Danny Baily 88Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:50:44

Loving the positivity from some posters regarding tomorrow's result.

I can't see any points in it for us, sadly.

Trevor Peers 89Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:52:10

If we can't conquer Spurs, our next two games will be six-pointers against our fellow relegation strugglers Southampton and Norwich, so no easy games this month!

Mark Guglielmo 90Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:57:10

Derek @87 If 'ifs' and 'buts' were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas :-D

Derek again @91 Chinese Super League ends on 30 November, so you are correct.

Bill Gall 91Posted
02/11/2019 at
17:57:56

Peter,

Yes, I understand that as I didn't miss a game in the 69-70 season, home or away. The reason I mentioned that line-up that was in the programme, is the pages in the programme were not wide enough to show actual formations.

Brian Wilkinson 92Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:02:19

I see Everton getting something from this game tomorrow.

It will come down to us taking our chances when they come, if Goodison is rocking, I see us putting in a performance, but certainly fancy Everton getting at worst a point.

Peter Mills 93Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:06:44

Bill - Respect!

Stan Schofield 94Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:08:26

Peter @89: Exactly, there should be fluidity. Although Royle was a big centre-forward, he was adept at linking up with the rapid interchanges in the midfield. And Husband and Morrissey would usually cut inside, being part of that link-up play, and they were seldom 'traditional' wingers going to the byline and putting crosses in.

In other words, that side ripped other sides apart through the middle, hence Ball scoring so much. This is pretty much what we need now. There were hints of it in the West Ham game.

Mike Dolan 95Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:22:47

Dave #90. I am not disagreeing that most have shown a lot of patience over a long time but it kills me when so-called fans were saying that it was a shame that Everton had gone 1-0 up against Watford because it meant that Silva would hang onto his job for another week. Disgusting.

If you forget the size of the squad on the books and only count the players that the current regime think are fit to play in the Everton. And that they are only a season and a quarter into creating a new team that can consistently challenge at the top.

Silva does not have a lot of options and this season he has had to deal with the loss of two of last seasons best players (Zouma and Gana). Silva showed last season, during that winning streak, the type of football his team will produce. We just need more patience.

Mark Burton 96Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:28:50

We are 17th now. Well I don't think we will be much higher at the end of the season if Silva stays, I only hope we can stay above the bottom three. Two wins against Liverpool will be my season.

Dermot Byrne 97Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:34:05

Mike #100. I can understand your post completely. I think in the end the patience is our lot until the new ground. Club strategy.

Trevor Peers 98Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:44:31

Mike #100

What about Silva's record at his other Premier League clubs? Where do you get this optimism from, his record has always been very shaky.

He scares the life out of most of us, his whole demeanor on the touchline doesn't help, especially when we go a goal down, he goes into a sulk. Personally I think he should've gone after the Burnley game.

Stan @99 Shows how good the West Ham result at Goodison Park was; they lost at home today to Newcastle, a very poor team indeed.

John Keating 99Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:50:25

Spurs are not the tallest of teams; however, they can be pretty rapid,

Why play a Titanic 7-mile turning circle centre-half? I'd play a back 4 of Coleman, Holgate, Sidibe and Digne. Midfield: Davies, Gomes with Delph sitting in front of the back 4.

Up top: Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Kean.

Bench must consist of young Gordon and the big Geordie (Gibson) or our boy Feeney.

Stan Schofield 100Posted
02/11/2019 at
18:55:05

Mark@101: If that would be your season, you lack ambition! Liverpool are just another team. We want to beat every team, every time. That's the goal.

Dave Ganley 101Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:04:16

Mike #100 don't get me wrong, I never want Everton to lose under any circumstances, that's just not what it's about for me. However, even allowing for the loss of Gana and Zouma, the players should be busting a gut out on the pitch but the level of effort, strategy and guile, not to.mention the comedy defending is terrible.

Forget the city game whereby we actually made an effort but still got comfortably beat. The only 2 games that have actually been good games have been wolves and west ham. Why cant we put that level of performance in, week-in & week-out? That should be a minimum.

The fact that we don't is down to the manager. He should be getting that level of effort every game and the fact that we don't says lots about the manager and the players. He needs to sort it out. We can't carry on having these bad runs every season.

Mark Guglielmo 102Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:05:26

Trevor @103 by that logic our loss to Sheffield wasn't bad; they're in 6th. And our loss to Bournemouth away wasn't bad; they just beat Man Utd. So, by rote, they must be very good sides.

Optimism aside, I think many are saying that, because there simply aren't many, if any, good options to replace him right now, that there's no use sacking him. May as well let us/him limp to the finish line, and then pick from an exponentially larger pool of options. At least that's where I land.

Joe McMahon 103Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:09:29

Steve @13, Madar wasn't that bad. He scored something like 7 goals in 20 appearances in an awful team. Compare that to Steven Naismith's 18 league goals in 100 league appearances playing in a better team.

Brent Stephens 104Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:09:51

John #104. Brands's view today was that Feeney and Gibson need to “get to another level” before they can be seen as first-team material, given the centre-backs we've got already.

Stan Schofield 105Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:20:16

Trevor @103: Today's result shows nothing of the kind. You should know that football does not work that way.

Mike @100: Good post.

Tony Hill 106Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:22:17

Any other gossip, Brent?

John Keating 107Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:26:33

Brent, I agree with you and Brands. The thing is, the pair of Keane and Mina are not setting the world on fire. Holgate needs to split them up.

I want youngsters on the bench to gain experience of the big time, to let them know they're not far off. It can only help their confidence.

If we are in a position to give young Gordon, or Feeney a chance of 10 minutes, how can that harm us? If they come on because they have to, maybe they'll surprise us.

What's too lose? We have to give these kids something to aim for.

Mark Burton 108Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:27:12

Stan, just imagine the chest we could have if we stopped Liverpool winning the Premier League. That's good enough for me.

Brent Stephens 109Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:34:03

I suspect Anthony Gordon isn't far off a place on the bench, John. And not so soon but hopefully not too far away, Onyanga who had a very decent game today for the U23s – and he's only 16.

Phillip Warrington 110Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:43:47

Unfortunately, the one thing Everton don't do well is match the other teams who are hungry and prepared to fight for the win. Spurs will be looking to get on top of Everton early as they need to win to give their title charge any chance.

So look out, Everton, this could turn out to be a disaster for us.

Stan Schofield 111Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:56:36

Mark @115: True!

Jay Harris 112Posted
02/11/2019 at
19:57:14

I'm hoping for a repeat of the 1995 FA Cup Semi-Final at Leeds when the media were bugging up Spurs and we had no chance.

Well, big Joe worked his magic and we played them off the park to win 4-1.

If only Silva could motivate the players.

Mike Corcoran 113Posted
02/11/2019 at
20:20:30

Back to Pat Jennings mentions, one of my childhood memories is a game in the late 70s where we beat Arsenal 2-0, Jennings caught a shot / lob with one big feckin shovel of a hand. I was astounded

Stan Schofield 114Posted
02/11/2019 at
20:21:33

John @114: If those lads are not ready, both they and Everton could have a lot to lose. Their confidence and our result. We need to have the first team in consistent good form before fielding youngsters like that.

Stan Schofield 115Posted
02/11/2019 at
20:22:38

Mike, Jennings had a 17" handspan!

Darren Hind 116Posted
02/11/2019 at
20:23:19

What a day that was, Jay.

Jonathan Tasker 117Posted
02/11/2019 at
20:30:35

Bill 71

I think I was at that match

If it's the one I'm thinking of we won 3-2

Mike England, one of their centre-halves, was the first player I heard called “yard dog”. He was an absolute beast

One of my favourite matches and what a team we had. Not one of our current players would come close to any of that team.

Tom Bowers 118Posted
02/11/2019 at
21:36:43

Spurs at their best would be a tough one to win but... just maybe, we haven't seen this Everton team click yet.

Without Mina and Bernard, it may still be a struggle... but, if they can keep Kane quiet, they have a chance.

Jamie Crowley 119Posted
02/11/2019 at
21:57:07

John Keating @ 104,

I'm not sure about your lineup, it scares the bajeezuz out of me. But my inner child absolutely loves it, and I think I'd pay serious money to see that lineup in action.

Benjamin Dyke 120Posted
02/11/2019 at
21:59:54

If we don't ship 6, like last season, is that progress? Spurs are bound to break their cycle of not winning away. I've got zero confidence in our team at the moment. Will we ever get over the 4 year long blip we're having?

Some people are longing for Moyes back after the sides he put together on a shoestring with much better team spirit, but we're all longing for more than that.

For goodness sake, we're languishing in Leicester's shadow right now, who are being managed well by our favourite ex-Red manager, Brendan.

Life is one endless cruel tragedy as a Blue... on that note, I'd better sign off... #COYB!

Jay Harris 121Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:10:55

It was, Darren,

Even the fans were pleasantly surprised. If only we could play like that tomorrow.

If I remember correctly, Klinsman dived for yet another penalty (oh for VAR then!) but the big point was Rideout being injured and they put the board up for Daniel "Can you catchme" Amokachi, who ran on the pitch before Rideout could say he was okay to continue – and then he bagged a brace.

Big Dunc was carried onto the coach at the end, drunk (allegedly).

Happy days under big Joe.

Martin Mason 122Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:12:34

Man Utd are in the same position as Everton, they are churning managers at players at massive cost and yet are no closer to ever getting out of Premier League mediocrity defined against the top 2 or 3.

Solskjaer is a game or two from the sack and yet their top men like Woodward are untouched and yet they, as with Everton, are the real problem. Everton need to remove all trace of Kenwright and replace him and any of his cronie placements with people who have actually run successful clubs rather than keep clubs surviving as with Kenwright.

I hate to say it but getting Silva out is absolutely essential. Brands? I'll hold judgement on him because buying players is massively risky and I believe that he is a true profession rather than a luvvie's who managed to buy a trainset.

I have a feeling that, while Spurs are playing badly, they will be too good for us tomorrow.

John Boon 123Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:20:52

Great optimism from Lyndon followed by reams of negativity from nervous Evertonians. Relax... it is only Spurs, no better than us this season. We will win, We will win. THERE!!! I have even convinced myself.

Shame on Paul (46) There can never be any bright side to Everton losing, even if Silva is fired. Are you ready to take over?

Bill Gall 124Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:31:44

Jonathan #124,

I didn't think the score was that high, and Everton did win by 1 goal. So I cheated and looked it up.

Everton won 1 -0 and the goal was scored by Alan Whittle. I didn't think he was that old.

Mike Doyle 125Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:43:02

John. Please add me to the nervous list - but for a slightly different reason.

My wife doesn't like football, but has an uncanny ability - like most of the major bookmaker's infants - to predict Everton defeats. Last weekend she asked me how the game with Brighton was going. I said okay, we are 2-1 up with approx 15 mins to go. “You'll lose again” was her confident (and accurate) prediction.

As for tomorrow... she has a bit of an interest in the game as she was at school with the mother of Spurs' Ben Davies - an excellent sportswoman apparently. She's told me to prepare for another defeat.

One football-related item she does enjoy is the Radio Merseyside Monday Night football phone in at 6:00pm (also available on the internet) and recommends it to all ToffeeWebbers - particularly those based outside the UK – as “essential listening for the deluded”.

Colin Metcalfe 126Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:55:13

I think we are kidding ourselves if we think we can get anything tomorrow. Even a stuttering Spurs should be able to turn us over, plus the fact they haven't won away for an age which surely means we will roll over because Everton is the gift that keeps in giving!

I was there for last seasons 2-6 mauling so won't waste my time this year so I am going to skip it and go and watch the fireworks with the family, I reckon 1-3 Spurs.

Paul Hewitt 127Posted
02/11/2019 at
22:55:20

John@131. I don't want Everton to lose. But if you're happy for Silva to take us down, fine. Just don't come on here moaning when he does.

Sean Kelly 128Posted
02/11/2019 at
23:01:36

4th from bottom! Get out, Silva. Disaster waiting to happen...

Mark Guglielmo 129Posted
02/11/2019 at
23:36:24

Sean who would be your top 1-2 choices to replace him should the Club feel he needs to be sacked mid-season?

Stephen Davies 130Posted
02/11/2019 at
23:40:26

Lundstram... We're missing someone like him.Wonder what happened to him?

Jamie Crowley 131Posted
02/11/2019 at
23:50:54

A loss and we're near the relegation sides.

A win and we're a mere 4 pts off Arsenal in 5th.

This entire season is just screaming for a Club to reach out and grab a top 4 spot. We need to be up to the task. Maybe tomorrow is the change we've all been waiting for?

I have no confidence in that rhetorical, hopeful question. Hope I'm wrong.

David Pearl 132Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:14:43

We play like our last home league game, we beat them.

David Pearl 133Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:26:14

Jamie, l've just looked at the league table. Thanks. So we lose then we go into the next round of fixtures knowing that both Norwich and Southampton can go above us, which would leave us in 19th. If that happens Silva must go.

Another wasted season is looming. Unless we win, then smash Southampton 2-0. (No need to be greedy!) End of the day, though, will our next uplift of form stick or will we be back here again before too long?

Sean Kelly 134Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:26:47

Mark I'm not too sure but we can't keep drifting like this and Silva clearly doesn't have the answers. We need someone that will take us on a sustained winning cycle and Silva has never done that at any club.

The only thing I'm sure of is we don't need the next best thing or someone with potential. We need a winner with winning mentality.

Paul Hewitt 135Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:27:56

Why can't people see, with Silva in charge we are going nowhere. FFS, What's wrong will people???

David Pearl 136Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:41:12

We live in hope, Paul.

Mark Guglielmo 137Posted
03/11/2019 at
00:52:23

Sean @142 we're in total agreement on that, friend. I think where we differ is that I just don't see a manager who can do exactly that, at this point of the campaign. The pool of available options is so limited that we'd almost certainly have to settle for someone, and I don't think anyone wants that.

I truly think any talk of relegation is histrionic. It's a weird, bad table this year. And while this represents a huge missed opportunity, I also think we can't panic. Worst case, we limp to the finish line, end up somewhere lower table, and find a very good or even great manager in the summer, before that transfer window.

Our biggest issue is that any manager who can truly solve our problems, of which there are many, won't be available until then. All the good ones are fighting for European qualification of their own, or challenging for a league title, or already playing in Europe. I don't think any manager would walk away from those scenarios to come fix our toilet, as it were.

I could be wrong, it just seems to be that way. Fingers crossed with a good dash of mild optimism and confidence. Cheers Sean.

Derek Knox 138Posted
03/11/2019 at
01:12:20

Jamie C, have you looked at the table recently? It is almost unbelievable that the amount of people are advocating a stay of execution.

Ed Prytherch 139Posted
03/11/2019 at
01:14:31

Frank Lampard is showing that you don't need a lot of managerial experience to be successful if you have a passion for your club, understand the English game and speak the same language as the fans.

There are several available candidates who fit the bill and hopefully one of them will be in charge before we lose too many more games.

I hate Spurs and I hope that we beat them but whatever the result, it will have little effect on the outlook for Everton.

Mark Guglielmo 140Posted
03/11/2019 at
01:24:11

Ed, would you mind sharing these candidates? Just wondering who I may have overlooked. Thanks!

Btw, I was pretty high on Arteta but many shot me down (not necessarily the folks here on TW).

Ed Prytherch 141Posted
03/11/2019 at
01:44:41

Phil Neville, Arteta, Unsy... maybe Rooney.

Any of them would likely be successful if he were given the length of time and budget that Silva has had.

Mark Guglielmo 142Posted
03/11/2019 at
01:59:17

Thanks, Ed. I know Arteta comes with plenty of risk but I love the real upside with him. Gotta figure serving as understudy to the best ever counts for something, right? Plus he has such great ties to Everton!

Rooney could be a great manager one day, I just don't think it's today. The others I'm not too high on, but I understand their appeal. Now someone like ten Heg really blows my skirt up but we'd definitely have to wait until summer.

Good luck to us! Cheers Ed.

Andrew Lum 143Posted
03/11/2019 at
02:35:52

No Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin please. Would prefer Davies to Delph too.

Steve Brown 144Posted
03/11/2019 at
04:34:39

Ed @ 141, how often does that actually work, hiring a former player with limited management experience? Lampard will have learned a lot managing Derby in the Championship last season. He should have stayed there longer to learn his craft, but I understand the temptation. Abramovich won't be quite as sentimental about it.

Equally, hiring managers from Preston, Wigan, Soton, Palace and Watford gets you mid-table performances and no trophies. In any profession, you get what you pay for, full stop.

Phil Sammon 145Posted
03/11/2019 at
04:58:11

I don't like Frank Lampard but he has a reputation as one of the most intelligent players to play the game. He got the Chelsea job early but at least he tried his hand running a club lower down the league.

Wayne Rooney is a complete knucklehead. It staggers me next the suggestions some people come up with to run our great club.

John Boon 146Posted
03/11/2019 at
05:17:54

Paul (127). I don't doubt your support for Everton. I am sure you are just as big a fan as I am. YOU were the one who suggested that " 1-3 Silva sacked, not all bad". You actually have it in print. See (Paul 46). I also have little time for Silva. Sorry to repeat myself.I don't want to EVER lose despite the mitigating and possibly positive outcome of Silva losing his job.For me Everton losing is always bad.

If Silva is let go I won't be particularly bothered but I will be extremely bothered if we lose 3-1 to Spurs. They are two different factors that could be related but don't always need to be.

Steve Brown 147Posted
03/11/2019 at
05:45:20

Wishing a defeat on your own club is 100% wrong, whatever you think of a manager.

Bill Gienapp 148Posted
03/11/2019 at
05:55:19

Steve (144),

I mean, Pochettino came from Southampton. Though you're half-right, Spurs haven't won any trophies.

Charles McCann 149Posted
03/11/2019 at
06:03:29

Going against the grain here somewhat and may get slated on here too for it! But I'm going to say it. I still believe Silva can turn this around.

Despite the result against Brighton, since Schneiderlinn has been out of the team performances have improved. Hopefully Silva realises this and keeps him on the periphery. Beat Spurs today and we have two very winnable matches coming up to put us in a better position and in a good frame of mind going into a difficult December.

Although I don't think I'd start Sigurdsson today, probably go with Iwobi, having Davies in midfield means the transition from defence to attack is much quicker and comes through the centre more often which might actually suit Gylfi better. Unless Mina is 100% fit then don't risk him.

It's hard to decide who to go with up-front between Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin, but with Bernard being out I think best to bring Richarlison to the left to link up with Digne and Calvert-Lewin is improving so hopefully will cause problems up there. I'm not a massive fan of Walcott but I'm sure he'd be well up for this one so I'd give him a chance. Coleman just shades it over Sidibe for me.

If the under 23's hadn't played yesterday then like a few others I'd love to have seen maybe at least a couple from either Gibson, Adeniran, Baningime and Gordon among the subs. It's high time these kids are slowly introduced to the first team. There still remains some strength on the bench with Lossil, Sidibe, Baines, Gomes, Sigurdsson and Kean being the ones I'd go with.

I agree that time is running out for Silva but hopefully the Goodison faithful will be in full voice and stay patient with the team. Full commitment is needed with no players hiding. It's getting to the point of now or never for Silva to deliver. I still think he can.

Unfortunately with work commitments today may mean I won't get to see the full match but fingers crossed for a good performance and three points. COYB : )

Derek Knox 150Posted
03/11/2019 at
06:28:16

Ed @ 141, regarding Rooney as a Manager, I think, like Lampard, he would take to it like a duck to water. Plus he is a global name, in the footballing world, loves Everton, and knows the game almost inside out, good shout!

Unlike the dwindling few on TW, I can't see, even with an optimistic view, that Silva is taking us anywhere, and I don't believe it is down to language problems either. I think he is a monkey-spanker, and has had long enough to show what he can't do.

Jonathan Tasker 151Posted
03/11/2019 at
07:27:59

Bill @124,

Just realised your programme was for the away match. Curiously we played them at home on 14 March 1970 and did indeed win 3-2.

I am guessing the away match must have been rearranged.

Alan Whittle was a good player. His career perhaps didn't turn out quite as well as it should have.

Joe McMahon 152Posted
03/11/2019 at
07:48:53

Ed @141, Steve is correct. Also Unsworth maybe able to develop some players already at the club (are they good enough anyway?), but won't have the same pulling power as Lampard. Lampard was also doing very well at Derby, and has played and won at the highest level and is well respected. Rooney (no thanks).

I'd prefer to steer away from the "he's one of us" mentality that has kept us back for decades. No-one in Liverpool's coaching set up has played for Liverpool, and they are doing fine, neither Pep or Arteta has played for Man City.

Danny Baily 153Posted
03/11/2019 at
08:21:39

Rooney doesn't have the correct temperament to be a manager. Or a player in the twilight of his career, for that matter.

We do need a new manager though, the sooner the better. We're in a relegation battle and it's not going well.

Paul Tran 154Posted
03/11/2019 at
08:28:43

Derek #150 'Monkey spanker?' What's that?

If we turn up today, we'll get a good result. That's a big if.

Regarding Lampard, as well as being an excellent player, he's always been regarded as one with the intelligence and emotional intelligence to succeed as a manager. Intelligence is often frowned on these days - I'd argue it's the difference between the multitude of 'technician' coaches and successful man-managers.

Tony Everan 155Posted
03/11/2019 at
08:36:54

Paul 154, sounds like something that goes on in Royston Vasey, in the backroom of the 'local' pet shop when there's a full moon.

Paul Tran 156Posted
03/11/2019 at
08:39:28

Hahaha, yes Tony, straight out of Royston Vasey!

Paul Setter 157Posted
03/11/2019 at
08:52:16

Win-win situation today. Beat a poor Spurs gives us 3 massive points. Lose and, no matter how much the board are in denial about Silva, they really will have to think about his position as I suspect the crowd will happily let their opinions be known.

Personally if it means he goes, I would through gritted teeth take a hit today. I would rather beat Spurs but sometimes, 'every cloud' and all that...

Derek Knox 158Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:23:59

Paul @154, it's rhyming slang, some people, take offence when you call Silva names, so I thought I would disguise it a bit.

Like you say, 'If we turn up today', reports are saying that Harry Kane might not play, due to injury, but they have other danger men. Having said that, generally Spurs are not playing that well. So they will suddenly find form today.

Jim Bailey 159Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:24:59

Lots of comments regarding ambition – or lack of.

Just had a look at The Sack Race and Oddschecker, both have a certain Mark Hughes as second-favourite to replace Silva.

Ambition indeed.

Paul Birmingham 160Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:27:27

We need the spirit of 1995 and the 2012 comeback, and hopefully the Spurs away form is sustained today. No-one expects a win for Everton based on current form, but for all concerned this is a massive game.

Southampton next week and like almost every team now such is our dire away form, we rarely muster the stomach for a fight.

Today a draw would be deemed a good result but we need to win, as we are in a relegation fight, if we don't and the next 2 months of fixtures are very tough for any team in form.

But when was the last time Everton had some decent form? Perhaps Martinez's first season, but that was a flashin the pan, as was proven later.

Let's hope today we can finish and we don't give Kane and co any early Chrimbo presents, like last season.

Intelligence is frowned on only by people aren't very bright. Some of those people invented 'emotional intelligence' to compensate for their dullness.

There's an awful lot of pessimism on here. Folks need to get a grip. We don't need optimism or pessimism, we need realism. Realistically, at Goodison we can beat anybody. Anything less than a win today would be very disappointing.

James Marshall 162Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:28:43

A win today and we leapfrog above Spurs into the heady heights of 13th place.

Who am I kidding, I can't see anything other than a Spurs win today - our record against them is nothing short of shocking, and they stuck 6 past us at Goodison last season. Form means nothing with this Everton side - in fact we only have 2 modes, shite and total shite.

I don't understand all this talk of a 'poor Spurs'. Even a rubbish Spurs is way better than a half decent Everton.

I'm in continuous frustration with Pickford and personally I would have dropped him by now. Despite him being often lauded for his ball playing. 75% of the time it's launched either out of play or straight to the opposition defence. Whilst it's a great tool to have it's so predictable at times and causes a turnover.

In a game that is often won or lost on percentages, we don't need to be giving the opponent more and more opportunities to have the ball. I do however think there's no chance he will be dropped and as such, Pickford starts.

Right Back. Sidibe. I have gone with him as for me he has looked solid, clever with the ball and clearly very capable. He has performed well on all occasions when given a chance and has looked more effective than Coleman. I think Coleman is a fantastic servant for our club but his time is up I am afraid. Runs into too many blind corners without that extra few yards of pace anymore.

Centre-back: Keane – Despite my reservations not really much choice in this area with Mina out. His aerial presence will be needed against Kane and will hopefully complement the better and faster footballer Holgate.

Centre-back: Holgate – I have banged the drum for Holgate for two or three seasons now and have always thought that given a run of games he would show what a fantastic footballer he is. For me, technically he's one of the best footballers at the club (better than Stones ever was) with an aggression and bite to his game which is exactly what we need at the moment.

Left-back - Digne. Despite not being as defensively sound thus far, still one of the best footballers and left-backs in the Premier League and I'm confident that no arguments will be given to this choice!

Midfield - Gomes. Was poor last time out but can run a game at times. At home with the crowd rocking think he will excel today.

Midfield - Davies. A player improving all the time and I'd personally have him as captain. Always looking to move the ball quickly and move the ball forward. Another with bite and tenacity which will be needed today. An Evertonian who clearly gets it. Can hopefully get all over Winks and co today.

CAM- Iwobi. Shades it against Sigurdssonto start as he's been unlucky not to score in last couple of outings and again, always looks to move things quickly forward. We need an element of dynamism against the so called “top sides”. I would predict that Spurs won't sit back like a lot of teams to Goodison and this should open up a little more space

Left - Richarlison. His best position for me, will work well with Digne, always moves inside and again, despite his theatrics at times, another who has a nasty streak to them at times.

Right - Walcott. I have been surprised with Walcott this season he has really upped his game and think he still has huge quality and a lot to prove. I want a winger today who can cut inside and create as well as the ability to go on the outside to swing a ball across.

Striker -Kean. A controversial call for some maybe and despite me liking Calvert-Lewin, I think this could be the game for the young man. Again I think today may offer a little more space for our forward line as they will not be as compact as a Sheffield Utd, Burnley et al and I think the lad has a special quality about him. You only score goals when you play. He is a goal scorer and will bang them in once he gets off the mark, I am sure of it.

Hoping for a big day today. 4-1 Everton with a Moise Kean brace.

Anyone meeting for a beer before the game?

Marc Harris 164Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:45:09

If we can manage a win today then we are 13th, 3 points from 6th with Southampton away and Norwich home to come.

I think this is our strongest line-up and should be played every week until Norwich game and see where we are then.

Trevor Peers 165Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:48:28

Spurs aren't in the best of form, there's an issue between the manager and the chairman that's hanging over the club, over money I presume. This could be a slice of luck for Silva, especially if Kane is injured, if so I expect this game to be drawn, the real tests are yet to come.

The game next week at Southampton will be a six pointer, followed by the horrendous December fixtures, that's when Silva's fate will finally be decided. As for his successor, surely Brands must be scouring Europe for a suitable replacement, with the right salary I'm sure we could find someone far better than Silva.

Tony Abrahams 166Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:49:19

Im not sure that James would have had time to read that very logical post Stan, but there is no getting away from the storms of pessimism around Everton and Silva, at the minute, even if our manager has found an ally in Andy Grey!

Andy Grey, now theres a beautiful memory when I think about Everton and pragmatism, and the Glawdys St helping to suck the ball into the back of the net, with “the Bayern Bench claiming we were playing rugby!!”

Paul Birmingham 167Posted
03/11/2019 at
09:50:04

James, brutally frank and spot on.

Lets hope that today the players get the up the fight and get a win.

Its going to be a very tough winter and theres no excuses for not having game management and no playing for the full 95 minutes.

Interesting to see what shape starts todays game, and I suspect earring on caution.

Stop the feed to Song and whilst they have threats all over their team, for me hes their Talisman as to many Kane is.

Hopefully Spurs are on for a double dose of defeat after being very unlucky against the RS last week.

Lets see what Everton turns up.

Paul Tran 168Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:02:20

Thanks Derek, that's a new one for the rhyming slang list!

Stan, agree on all points.

Clive Rogers 169Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:07:50

As always, the problem is goals and I just can't see where they are coming from. I don't trust Calvert-Lewin to continue his scoring run, he doesn't threaten the goal enough. Richarlison is our next best hope, but his form is variable even within games. After that, it's impossible to predict a goal scorer.

James Marshall 170Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:08:42

While I admire people's positivity (mine has left the building, you may have noticed!) I can't help feeling it's blind faith a lot of the time.

Rarely do supporters come on a fan site and all make predictions of a loss, and naturally so. The reality feels very different to me - Everton are not playing well, and have not done anything to make it appear that some great change is about to occur, especially against a team we traditionally struggle against, and is currently (despite form) a lot better than us.

Very rarely will you read a post that backs up with any good reasoning, why we're likely to get a result against them. I hope I'm wrong!

Tony Hill 171Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:17:36

Looks like Kane hasn't travelled. Helpful.

Stan Schofield 172Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:21:16

Tony@166: Every season since Moshiri took over, whenever we have a bad phase of form the pessimists are out in force proclaiming relegation if we don't stop the rot. Yes, any team can in principle get relegated, but these people do need a dose of realism if they actually believe what they're saying, and a dose of behaving properly if they're doing it for devilment, which I suspect a few are. It's always the same phrases, particularly "I can't see where the next win will come from", and "I can't see where goals will come from".

Before Silva, there were complaints about our quality of football. Under Silva, when we do play well, the football is high quality, few complaints. Plus, last season we managed to do what many were complaining we weren't doing, playing well against the top sides. Liverpool supporters were a bit shocked by our quality, and couldn't believe their luck with Pickford's gift.

So it's astonishing to see people calling for Silva's head, to start all over again with no guarantee of improvement. Let's try to get some consistency following the signs of the quality we clearly have as shown for example by the West Ham game. And there's no point in anybody answering (as someone said yesterday) that West Ham are crap as shown by yesterday's defeat to Newcastle, since football does not work in that simple naive way.

Our away form is consistently bad, that is a clear pattern. But what is also a clear pattern is our home form, which is consistently good, hence the phrase Fortress Goodison. If the away form got near the home form, few if any would complain. And today's game is a home game.

Tony Hill 173Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:21:28

Neil @163, that would be my side save for Kean, though I know why you've picked him. I'd go with DCL.

Colin Hughes 174Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:28:53

Even without Kane they are still one of our many bogey sides. We haven't beat Spurs home or away since Moyes left, 13 matches in total and if you look at our overall premier league record against them its abysmal,from the inaugural meeting in 1992 we won just 1 of our first 24 games against them to 2004 and they were bang average back then. This is Everton, we don't do wins that we are not expected to.

Rob Halligan 175Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:29:09

Before I start this post, I am not accusing anyone in particular about "wanting us to lose today if it means Silva gets the sack".

You may think losing three points today will be no great disaster, if it means Silva is sacked, as there will still be plenty of time left in the season to accrue the required points for survival. However, let me say one thing

BOLTON WANDERERS!!

Why Bolton Wanderers? Well quite simply back in season 1997/98, we survived by the skin of our teeth, finishing 17th, while Bolton were relegated in 18th position, by virtue of an inferior goal difference. For those who remember, Bolton moved into their new stadium that year, and we were the first visitors there.

Now, rightly or wrongly, Bolton had a "goal" disallowed that match (the ball was deemed not to have crossed the line), which had it been given, would have probably given Bolton three points, and, yes, you've guessed it, we probably would have been relegated that season instead of them.

So, while that game was so early in the season, and Bolton still had plenty of points to play for, I don't think anyone would have realised at the time, what such an important point it was for us. EVERY point is important, no matter how early in the season.

So for anyone saying "I'd take a loss today if it meant Silva getting the sack", think again. Any point(s) we get today could be really vital come the end of the season.

Sean Kelly 176Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:30:59

On a different topic with all the money Moshiri has spent on players and the kitty running low I was wondering if Moshiri ever asked bullshit bill "where's the Arteta"? Just wondering.

Mark Murphy 177Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:40:15

Stan, I totally agree!As for the West Ham reference Man City could “only” beat Southampton 2-1 yesterday. Does that mean Leicester will walk the league??We wont get relegated and we wont finish top 6 but we need to be patient and build. PickfordColeman Keane Holgate Digne Delph Iwobi Gomes Walcott DCL RichyCoyb

John Kavanagh 178Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:40:47

I'd also go for Neil's team @163 as amended by Tony @173. If Silva is really the great manager some still persist is in him somewhere, then that is the team he has to go with. If there's any sign of the undynamic duo of treacle toes Schneiderlin and the Icelandic glacier Sigurdsson in the starting line up then it will be game over for us.

Every omen and our legendary charitable status points to Spurs, but like others I'm still hoping for a shock result. COYB.

Duncan McDine 179Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:46:01

Rob 175, totally agree. I dont know if Silva has what it takes to be a success if given time - no one does, but 3 points today would be very welcome indeed.

Andrew Clare 180Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:48:06

Colin #174,If you look at our record against anyone since the Premier League began it is abysmal. Apart from the two occasions that we were relegated the past 30 years with one or two seasons as exceptions have been the worst in our history.Todays game is Everton( a perennial mid-table team) against Spurs (a consistently top six side out of form at present). Result 0-3 to Spurs.It grieves me to say that- excuse the pun- but we are miles away from these teams, thats why we rarely defeat them.

Raymond Fox 181Posted
03/11/2019 at
10:49:25

The odds makers are making us 6/4 favs!

I think they have more faith in us than we do, if Kane is missing that is a plus no doubt.Nevertheless they will field a class replacement, Son scores some cracking goals.I cant really see us winning, a draw maybe, I'd like to be positive but logic is telling me otherwise.I'd love to be proved wrong of course.

Oliver Molloy 182Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:10:18

Well, if we play out of our skin we might have a chance otherwise I can not see anything here but a Spurs win.Without doubt they are much more a "team" than us and of course they have a top notch striker and other very capable goal scorers.

I'm sure Pochettino won't want to lose again on Merseyside on consecutive weekends so it's down to us.Obviously hoping for a win, but just can not see it.Foe me being an Evertonian these days is to get expect nothing, everything else is a bonus!

Martin Berry 183Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:27:15

A win today and were mid table and in touching distance of a European place. Hopefully that will please the gloom merchants.

Brent Stephens 184Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:27:55

Silva being discussed on Sky this morning.

John Cross, The Mirror, sees this as Silva's last English job if he's sacked.

Jason Burt, The Telegraph, sees his problem in inheriting several people's squads, not getting enough out of his squad, and a lack of a viable alternative.

George McKane 185Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:30:59

Up early this morning - - early breakfast and then up to the top of the House for music poetry and a a bit of writing - - reading TW and a little “live” post for The Dark House Blues - - you can go to TDH Blues FB Page and see the Live Post - - a bit mad - - but you gotta be mad to be A Blue:

Link - - just listening to a bit of Dylan - - you know of course he came to Liverpool and is obviously a Blue for Life:

“And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son?And what did you hear, my darling young one?I heard the sound of a thunder, it roared out a warnin'Heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole worldHeard one person starve, I heard many people laughin'Heard the song of a poet who died in the gutterHeard the sound of a clown who cried in the alleyAnd it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hardAnd it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall”

Looked out of my window this morning - - The River - - Silver and Shimmering with the morning sun and mist - - the Liver Buildings - - Cathedrals - - City Tower and The Magnificent Vistula of The Waterfront - - all fighting for my attention and striving and clamouring to come out of the mist - - yet still grey against a greyer sky and the silver lines of the River - - like a Whistler Symphony - - reminds me of the opening of The Beatles Yellow Submarine - - I will never ever forget when I saw it on The Big Screen at The Odeon - - I choked with emotion - - a dry throat and wet cheeks - - I had never seen Liverpool look like that - - Bluetiful - - magnificent - - mysterious - - ethereal - - poetic and romantic and altogether marvellous - - have a look at the photos:

I am onto 60s bits and bobs at the moment - - just sitting at my Mac and writing and playing and listening:

“Take me for a trip upon your magic swirlin' shipAll my senses have been strippedAnd my hands can't feel to gripAnd my toes too numb to stepWait only for my boot heels to be wanderin'I'm ready to go anywhere I'm ready for to fadeOn to my own parade cast your dancin' spell my wayI promise to go under it”

This is my routine on Match Days - - to get myself into “the mood” - - to try and not carry too many negative waves - - - to surround myself with word and music and images that lift my soul - - raise my spirits - - get myself ready for the journey - - Charon calling me and rowing me over The Mighty River - - or is that Gosia driving her car - - and the call of The Sirens in The Dark House - - or is that Sandra just asking “what are you having George” - - Do You Believe In Magic:

“Yeah, do you believe in magicYeah, believe in the magic of a young girl's soulBelieve in the magic of rock and rollBelieve in the magic that can set you freeOhh, talking 'bout magicDo you believe like I believe (Do you believe in magic)Do you believe like I believe (Do you believe, believer)Do you believe like I believe (Do you believe in magic)”

For me going to the game has to be something - - have meaning - - touch something - - the football has been bad for some time now - - BUT - - does that reduce or chip away at “the going to the game” means - - absolutely not - - friendships, rituals, routines, conversations, debates, even arguments but no matter what friendship - - camaraderie - - feeling something mutual - - a belief that it will all come good - - I have just closed my eyes for a moment - - floating - - flying - - on the Astral - - recalling Sunday Mornings of my childhood - - 10.30 Mass at St.Ollies (St Alphonsus) - - home to sausage and bacon and eggs and tomatoes gravy made by Mum - - Sunday morning Family Favourites - - BFPO40 - - then a play out or to The Art Gallery and Pier Head and home for Sunday Roast with Around The Horn and Jimmy Clitherow in the background - - Ah Take Me Back:

“Sunday six-bells, and in between the silence there was conversationAnd laughter, and music and singing, and shivers up the back of the neckAnd tuning in to Luxembourg late at nightAnd jazz and blues records during the dayAlso Debussy on the third programEarly mornings when contemplation was best”

Once many years' ago I was living on my own and I was lying on the floor in my house - - a bit low and lonely - - listening to Van - - Hyndford Street - - let myself go and dreamed a dream of my sister Colette who I hadnt seen for a while - - silly family stuff - - I saw her in my mind running up Great Mersey Street with her Holy Communion Dress on - - the veil blowing behind - - I woke with tears - - of joy and happiness - - music can lift your soul - - when I go to the game today I will take my harmonica and sing a little song for Everton - - Geronimo:

Maybe tough times being a Blue - - but we are True and Blue - - I Love going to the match - - to sit in the circle with all my friends from One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - - to talk and listen and muse and act soft and laugh and sometimes cry - - but always there - - as Gaffer said “no matter what we will always have Everton and TDH”

“Tonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonightTonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonightAnd the leaves, shaking on the trees, in the cool, summer breezeAnd the people passing, in the streetAnd everybody that you meet, tonightYou will understand the onenessTonight, you will understand the oneTonight, 'neath the silvery moon, tonightTonight, let it all begin tonightYou will understandThe Oneness”

Can we talk it overOne More timeTonight.

Cosmic grooves sent over the airwaves to all Blues - -God Bless Everyone said Tiny Tim Cahil.

With a firm handshake from George Vincent Van Mc Kane - - Listen to The Lion

Kunal Desai 186Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:39:31

No Kane today not sure if thats a bonus as they tend to do well even without him.

Darren Hind 187Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:42:23

Who cares about Kane ?. . We've got McKane.

Loving your work George

Kim Vivian 188Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:44:13

Darren - Nice, seconded

George - 4-0 today?

George McKane 189Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:50:41

Thank you Dareen and Kim - - of course - - 4 - 0:

"Sunday in the afternnonWhat have we got to lose"

Cosmic grooves all the way.

Derek Knox 190Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:51:28

Nice one George, matchdays would not be the same without your welcome poetry and words of encouragement, here's hoping for something good in terms of a result at Goodison today.

Brent Stephens 191Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:54:17

Sky have just shown a VAR analysis of the Firminho disallowed goal. Seems to show a line that should be vertical (to ascertain Firminho's position) is actually not vertical but slanted to Firminho's disadvantage. Regardless of which side is involved, this is ludicrous. Yet another knife into the credibility of the use of VAR.

Oliver Molloy 192Posted
03/11/2019 at
11:56:27

George McKane...It's too late to stop now !

Daniel A Johnson 193Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:00:08

The pundits predictions for this match make me laugh. We are only 2pts behind spurs yet we are tipped by all to get smashed today.

I think we are gonna win this one

George McKane 194Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:04:42

Great Album Oliver.

Peter Mills 195Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:10:04

Cosmic grooves back at you, George.

Ken Kneale 196Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:15:31

Rob 175 - sage comments.

Paul Johnson 197Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:15:39

Thanks George. Your description of the city and then your sister in her communion dress raised my spirits this morning. Thanks again.

Paul Smith 198Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:16:05

One win in six and were doom merchants. Really ?

In Liverpool with the family so gonna get a home game in.

Spurs game went last year, a shocker to be sure, hoping for better today but realistically think it will be a struggle but a good game anyhow.

Looking forward to pie & chips at a reasonable price not like down South, love coming home.

Brian Harrison 199Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:23:17

Lets hope for 3 points today, at least it looks like a mostly dry day so hopefully wont get soaked before or after the match. Just looking at the league positions who would have thought after 11 games Palace,Bournemouth,Brighton and Sheffield Utd would be in the top 10, and to rub salt into the wounds Leicester challenging for a Champions league place. Surprisingly all have British managers, so much for having to go abroad to get a successful manager.

Whether Mina is fit or not for me Holgate should start, when was the last time Keane created a goal with a cleverly waited pass or scored. I am sure Spurs will come here trying to get their season back on track, but unlike the Spurs of the last 2 seasons this team is a long way off that form. So hopefully with the backing of 40,000 Evertonians we may get the victory we desperately need.

Oliver Molloy 200Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:23:46

Sure is George, for me as live albums go one the best ever - stands the test of time.Enjoy the match today, hope it's all good come the final whistle.

Brent Stephens 201Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:31:00

George, lovely piece as ever. " Family Favourites - - BFPO40". Had forgotten all about that. Was it Two Way Family Favourites?

Dave Abrahams 202Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:42:43

George (185), great as usual George, love your Sunday morning stroll down yesterday, I did all those things you did, and listened to the same sounds as you, and it was a stroll, a nice leisurely one, not the mad rush of todays life.

Thanks for ushering those long a go memories back, even for a few minutes, cosmic groves back George with an extra 10%. for your lovely post.

Mark Guglielmo 203Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:43:57

If this thread were a table, Stan would comfortably sitting in first, Tony A would be in second, and about 18 folks would be fighting relegation.

COYB

Mike Powell 204Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:44:14

Mina should be rested till he fully recovers, we will need him fit for them nasty fixtures in December.Holgate should start although he is an acciedent waiting to happen, but hopefully he cuts out them stupid mistakes he makes. Anyway here's hoping for three points COYB

George McKane 205Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:45:35

Brent - you are right - great memory - I dont check myself - just let my thoughts go - lovely Sunday mornings - Mum in her pinnie in the kitchen - radio on - Me Mum used to put Bisto in the tomatoes giving them a darker look and taste - as if “sound and perfume swirled in the Sunday morning air “

For who knows where the time goes.

Alan McGuffog 206Posted
03/11/2019 at
12:47:28

Apropos of nothing. With my grown up family in Krakow. Visited the amazing Wieliczka salt mines.400 ft down scrawled on the wall.." kopites are gobshites ".If the author is still in town the Zubruvka is on me.😀

Brent Stephens 207Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:01:07

Alan #206 that's unbeatable. Though maybe, just maybe, an astronaut might have scrawled those words into the dust on the surface of the moon? "All kopites are gobshites" indeed.

Stan Schofield 208Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:08:32

Brent, quite possibly. Apparently, Neil Armstrong was an Evertonian.

But being 1969, he more likely scrawled "Obla di, Obla da, Alan Ba-a-all, Is the Greatest of them All".

Ian Jones 209Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:09:51

Hi Rob @ 175

I get your comments about allpoints being important no matter when games are played and the significance of each point and some supporters being pleased if we lose to help managers get the sack.

I am always of the opinion that the final kick of the match is more significant in terms of points earned or lost etc...and the outcome of the game etc as goals scored earlier or chances missed in games means both teams would approach the rest of the game differently.

I probably could word that better...

If Everton had not had that point against Bolton, both Bolton and Everton may have approached their next games differently etc.

If Everton had drawn their game against Liverpool in the first Derby game last season instead of giving Liverpool a boost, we may have been better the next few months, and Liverpool may have not gone on the run they did and Man City may not have been spurred on to keep up with Liverpool..

It's all ifs and buts.

Having said that, going with 3 nil today but not sure which side will win!

Enjoy the match.

Christy Ring 210Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:13:29

Surprise Surprise Ramirez came off the bench and scored

Derek Thomas 211Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:14:40

Rob @ 175; I remember back in the late 70s we beat Sunderland last game of the season, they got relegated, Charlie Hurley when asked...how do you feel about getting relegated ( stupid questions even back then) said, we didn't get relegated because we lost the last game of the season, we got relegated because we lost the first game of the season...if we'd have won that we wouldn't have gone down.

Not withstanding that there are no decent candidates...I'm not for letting Silva have time to play himself...and us, out of this...because I doubt he can.

So everybody, what would you rather have...

We take action to stop the rot with ten games gone - or with ten games left.

Then ask yourselves; Do you feel lucky, well - do you?

Mark Guglielmo 212Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:15:32

I think every supporter should ask his or herself these few questions:

1) What should we do re: Silva?1) Histrionics aside, do you genuinely believe we will be relegated and therefore he should be sacked ASAP?(for context, 6 pts separate 6th from 17th and there are 28 matchdays left after today)1a) if you do, which manager would you tap to take over mid-season?1b) If you don't, are you patient until the summer, or would wait the entire term of his contract?

2) What is your goal for the club right now?2a) Avoiding relegation at all costs? (Any manager is better than Silva)2b) Finishing somewhere 7th-17th? (Finding a very good manager in the summer)2c) Prioritizing long-term strategy and building a consistently top 6 challenging team? (In Silva you trust)

I'm not asking so I can debate you. In fact you don't even need to answer here (just to yourself). If you want to answer here, great.

Derek Thomas 213Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:18:35

Mark; can I have some from 1 and some from 2 please?

Mark Guglielmo 214Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:24:54

Haha Derek, I know they're not mutually exclusive. That's why I included the 1a; who would you choose for a mid-season replacement. Hopefully (and quite frankly I'm not at all sure the 'sack him now' crowd have thought this far ahead) everyone is considering that any mid-season replacement doesn't come with any sort of guarantee of final standing anyway.

Derek Thomas 215Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:29:55

Mark; Bielsa at Leeds, he's a borderline nutbar, but we need somebody to come in and, in the words of another poster, say. I don't know what sort of shit's been going on before, but it stops - NOW.

Then make it happen.

Martin Nicholls 216Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:30:50

Alan#206 - was there in March. Can't claim credit for that grafitti but bumped into a fellow Blue there who might well have been responsible!

Jamie Crowley 217Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:33:53

Mark -

Anyone who will actually play our young talent consistently.

Anyone who will actually willingly play the ball through the middle while attacking.

Anyone who won't accept slow, sideways players.

Anyone who's approach first and foremost is to put the ball in the back of the net, not defend first.

I'll leave it to Brands to find that man, in lieu of me pulling names out of a hat.

Mark Guglielmo 218Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:37:51

Derek, good choice. If you have to switch now he should be near the top of the list.

Jamie, what a coincidence, had this exact discussion with my local friend (the one near Philly) around what we wanted from our next manager. I may have had my answers in your exact same order!

The Brands comment is fair; I think the dearth of available options is exactly why nothing's been done.

Alan McGuffog 219Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:38:36

Martin..my son is convinced it was me on a previous visit. Moi ?

Derek Knox 220Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:40:59

Christy @ 210, if he keeps up that record we will be recalling him. :-)

Derek Knox 221Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:46:32

Jamie and Mark, was reading that Lewis Gibson is getting pissed off not being promoted to first team duties, as he feels he is ready, but is constantly overlooked by Silva, he is looking at an exit possibly next window.

Considering our shortage of Centre Backs, I would have expected to see either Gibson or Feeney at least on the bench, but with Silva he won't give the lads a breath of hope for their futures with us.

James O'Connell 222Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:48:02

Mark @212 you could have asked the same questions for the last decade and just left a blank spot to put the managers name in.

I think based on what I have seen this season we would be naive to think we are beyond relegation.

Silva isn't the manager for me he has no plan B and lacks the cv and charisma to make me believe he can achieve anything other than mediocrity.

People will have their own opinion of who should replace him but the lack of ambition in the last few appointments would suggest we should be targeting the 'they would never come here' managers and stop wasting everyone's time with second teir stop gaps.

Brent Stephens 223Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:49:19

Stan #208 "Apparently, Neil Armstrong was an Evertonian".

Not a very good one - apparently he didn't like the distances to travel to away games.

Darren Hind 224Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:51:05

Alan 206

I cant beat that, but I did see the same message on the entrance to the French Foreign legion Parachute base in Calvi. You didnt go there looking for trouble

Do we have an Evertonian "Banksy", or is this just a couple of the chaps spreading the word

Brent Stephens 225Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:51:41

Derek #221 - where did you hear that about Gibson being pissed off?

Brands was saying yesterday that Gibson and Feeney needed to step up a level before being considered first team material.

Richard Mason 226Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:57:36

Sandro scored a goal wow

Mark Guglielmo 227Posted
03/11/2019 at
13:59:50

James @222 I'm not advocating for Silva to keep his job; just to keep it until summer. I'll bet you a friendly fiver we're not being relegated. The table is terrible! To your own point, the revolving door hasn't been working because of the level of manager we've been going after, and there we agree!

Besides Mourinho, who are the "will never come here" managers you're thinking of who are actually available right now? That's the problem to me; there is no currently available pool of options beyond mostly same-old, same-old.

Derek Thomas 228Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:00:10

Brent; Its been going around for a bit. I maybe wrong but if I remember correctly his contract has 6mths on left and he is reluctant to sign another. Also Holgate has been knocking on Silvas door about his situation too.The native are restlesss and there's trouble at mill.

Jay Harris 229Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:06:32

Just watched Kean and Pickford on an interview with NBC. frightening.

Keane seemed as nervous as hell and they both talked about the need to score a goal and then change the style of play and stop the full backs bombing forward. It was if they were deciding tactics on the hoof but also explains why we sit back when we go a goal up instead of going all out to destroy the opposition.If anything ever convinced me Silva has to go it was this interview.

James O'Connell 230Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:14:08

We're on the same page Mark I would hate to see another bad appointment in Silvas wake.Mancini with Timmy Cahill as his number 2?

Lennart Hylen 231Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:14:19

I wanna see: Guts, Dedication, Commitment, Team-Spirit, Winning Mentality today. Words the manager should have as his mantra every second during his time with the players.

Otherwise it will be a long long hard season like the one we have had to endure so far. EFC so far has been like a tiny tree in an storm, bending all the time. Up the Blues and remember those words, eat sleep breathe them all the time.

It may be true or not, but it's the sort of story you ask why would a journo bring it up? So possibly no smoke without fire!

I don't know what his reluctance is to blood the youngsters, the way some of our senior players have been it wouldn't do any harm, and possibly jolt some of them into action.

Derek Taylor 234Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:23:59

Everton seems to spend a fortune preparing promising young bucks to adorn the teams of FL clubs - all divisions. I guess that since the formation of the Premier League less than 5% of those who make it to U23 level get to establish themselves in the Prem. here or anywhere else.

Hmm good news though Lucas Moura isnt a bad player. Maybe more suited for Holgate to mark,

Jay Wood[BRZ] 237Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:34:51

With respect Derek, but the link you share is a gossip-drenched site on which guest contributors speculate away to their heart's content.

The piece you link to is penned by the world-renowned footy journalist...ehrm...Vijievan Jeevathayalan.

His source is another footy clickbait site Football Insider and a similarly speculative article by another football journalist illuminary...Wayne Veysey.

No doubt he sourced HIS info from a similar speculative article.

The story really doesn't have a lot going for it, Derek.

Brent Stephens 238Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:35:02

Derek #233 that links not working - incomplete??

Derek Taylor 239Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:36:58

I meant to add that a picture of our greatest ever post-war side of exactly 50 years ago which has adorned my wall ever since, indicates that no less than 12 of the 17 man first team squad had' come up through the ranks'.

But we live in different times. Sadly.

Neil Wood 240Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:39:38

Little tipple on a Richarlison hat trick today!

Mark Guglielmo 241Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:39:51

James @226 that is a very intriguing pairing. I like the idea of a reknowned foreign manager, grooming an English (Evertonian!) asst. manager. I'm also really biased toward Italians in case you didn't see my last name 😂 Part off me hopes that Allegri would make a northwestern English city his managerial swan song 🙏🏼 (plus he's the one who knows Moise better than anyone!)

I'll see your Mancini/Cahill and call with Allegri/Rooney 🙌🏼

Oh, and Lucas Moura is better than anyone we'll be starting today, so doubt Kane's absence is an issue. Spurs have been very very good without Kane in the past.

Derek Knox 242Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:41:41

Jay, you're probably right, but I thought it strange as he is not exactly a high profile player. Personally, and I have said on here many a time I see no harm in him introducing some of the more talented U-23's, at least to the bench.

It sends a message to them that they are in the plans for the future, and as I said before they couldn't do any worse than some of our stuttering so-called senior players.

Derek Knox 243Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:46:52

Jay, forgot to ask is Wayne Veysey, any relation to Royston Veysey? 😋

Richard Mason 244Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:50:16

Ha, No Dave. He came on as a sub and scored the 3rd.

Ciarán McGlone 245Posted
03/11/2019 at
14:54:18

We'll comfortably lose this and Silva will still be here tomorrow.

I have the pleasure of not watching today due to prior commitments. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have to endure the 90 minutes.

Bill Gall 246Posted
03/11/2019 at
15:10:10

I suppose that this must be classed as a must win game but what I find funny about this comment is, if you want to be ambitious and finish in the top 6 or 4, every game is a must win game. without that kind of mindset you are a looser.

Billy Bradshaw 247Posted
03/11/2019 at
15:13:17

Just leaving the house for the game don't live to far away from the ground, just an empty unmotivated feeling hope I feel better on the way back.

Mark Guglielmo 248Posted
03/11/2019 at
15:14:03

Pretty sure the 'must win' comments are because of the fear of relegation, Bill G.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 249Posted
03/11/2019 at
15:20:15

On the one hand, I agree with the pragmatism expressed by Stan Schofield.

On the other, I perfectly understand the anguish and concern many are expressing.

Yes, we were torpedoed in two consecutive home games this season to the Blades then City; one perhaps unexpected, the other expected. But you have to go back to February when City beat us 2-0 at home to recall our previous home defeat.

The performances this season - other than the previous PL home win v WHU - have not displayed the same fluency or easy-on-the-eye football of the end of last season, but we are still decent at Goodison.

Contrast that to Spurs who, up to February last season, boasted the best away record in the league, but then it fell off a cliff and continues to be poor this season. No away win in five.

So why so many seem willing to cede the game before a ball is kicked in anger, I don't understand. They are in as poor a form as we are.

Of course, we can all quote 'Everton that', that if a team hasn't won in a stretch, or a player is going through a goal drought, a fixture against the Blues will resolve that.

There are factors which do not make for happy reading, not least that it is 21 PL games and counting that under Silva Everton has never recovered from conceding the first goal of the game to register a win; 18 defeats, 3 draws, 3 points out of a possible 63 is our return.

Nor are we very good at scoring goals in the second half of games. In 10 games to date this season we have scored 3 in 450 minutes of second half football: Richarlison's winner at home to Wolves; Siggy's late second v WHU; DCL's goal v Brighton last week in losing 2-3.

It will be perfectly understandable if there are collective groans should we concede the opening goal, or need a goal in the 2nd half. We're not very good at either.

But today remains a game we most certainly are capable of winning.

David Hallwood 250Posted
03/11/2019 at
15:23:10

I wonder if Silva's going to revert to 2 holders in MF, and DCL as the lone striker; a formation that's served us so badly for at least 3 seasons.

The team I'd like to see would be 4-3-3; Pickford,Sidibé, Keane/Mina, Holgate, Digne, Gomes, Davies, Iwobi, Walcott, Richarlison, Kean. The front 3 taking a leaf out of the RS playbook and to be fluid positionally, and the mid 3 giving them quality service a la Tosun to Charlie on Tues night.

The chances of this being the team is zero, but hey ho you can dream.

Justin Doone 251Posted
03/11/2019 at
16:06:47

When your team are struggling it's hard to put faith in young, inexperienced players.

I agree in trying to tweak and improve those players who are established if you know they are capable of playing better but there are only so many chances you can give before continued failure, errors, mistakes have to result in a different approach.

It's far easier for new and inexperienced players to be slowly introduced into a positive winning environment but there comes a time to take a chance.

Either Silva is happy the current lot are performing well or at least to his instructions or he's letting them continuously get away with underperforming.

Spurs great example. One of the best teams in the league who havnt go going. It happens, they are capable of better but until they prove it the manger will drop players and isn't afraid to play youngsters.

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